Snow Flea vs Moorhen Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snow Flea Moorhen Flea
Scientific Name Glaciopsyllus antarcticus Dasypsyllus gallinulae
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 2-3 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Oceania Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Snow Flea

A flea that parasitizes petrels and survives Antarctic conditions year-round.

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Did You Know?

It is the southernmost known flea, enduring temperatures far below freezing.

Moorhen Flea

A flea commonly found on small passerine birds including tits, wrens, and robins. It breeds in bird nesting boxes and natural cavities.

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Did You Know?

This flea is so common in European bird nest boxes that ornithologists routinely find them when checking boxes during the breeding season.